The Marshall University women’s tennis team will begin the Conference USA Tournament 1 p.m. Thursday in Murfreesboro, Tennessee when it takes on 12-seed Florida Atlantic University.
The Herd heads into the tournament with a 10-10 overall record and 2-2 conference mark, placing it behind Florida International University, Rice University, University of North Texas and Old Dominion University. FAU enters the tournament with a 12-8 overall record. However, the Owls played only one conference game this season in a 4-3 loss to the University of Texas at El Paso.
In its most recent match, the Owls suffered a 6-0 loss to Brown University, while the Herd defeated no. 68 Old Dominion 5-2 to conclude its regular season.
Marshall sophomore Marija Bogicevic said after the team’s win over ODU, it has a lot of confidence, but said head coach John Mercer is trying to keep the group level-headed.
“We are all happy about beating ODU right before conference, but coach Mercer is encouraging us to stay focused,” Bogicevic said.
Junior Rachel Morales said the team has upped the ante in practice to prepare for the tournament.
“Practice has been really intense,” Morales said. “Coach is trying to keep us motivated, so we won’t be too relaxed going into the conference tournament.”
Junior Derya Turhan, who has competed in the number one spot for the Herd most of the season, will lead the team into the tournament with her 14-3 singles record, while Morales has earned an 11-6 singles record in the number two spot.
Morales has also performed well in doubles play, where she has paired with Maddie Silver to go 8-0 this season.
“We just hope to make it to semi-finals,” Morales said.
Morales and Maddie Silver hope to dominate once again and extend their current record of (8-0) in double matches.
If Marshall defeats FAU Thursday, it will continue its tournament run 3 p.m. Friday where it will play the winner of the match between Old Dominion and University of Texas at San Antonio.
Danielle Wright can be contacted at [email protected].